Jharkhand mahouts to get Kannada lessons, jumbos to learn Hindi

BENGALURU: Three jumbos from Karnataka who were sent to Jharkhand’s Palamau tiger reserve last month are facing an elephantine hurdle. Used to taking commands in Urdu-laced Kannada, they aren’t able to comprehend their new handlers, who speak in Hindi. To make sure the animals develop a new bond with the handlers, three mahouts from Karnataka who escorted the elephants to the eastern state have been asked to extend their stay for a few months.
Dr Umashankar, veterinarian with the forest department, said the elephants — Kaala Bhairava, Sita and her calf, Murugesan — were sent from Bandipur and Nagarahole camps in March. They are used to their respective mahouts and need more time to get accustomed to the new handlers’ instructions. “Our mahouts will train the Jharkhand staff in the language along with the jumbos’ food habits. Traditionally, elephants in Karnataka are instructed in Urdu-dominated Kannada, which is spoken by the tribal community to which mahouts generally belong,” he added.

A senior official with the forest department said the mahouts at Palamau will be taught the commands used in Karnataka, with some Kannada words thrown in. The elephants will be trained to follow some Hindi instructions as well. Two Karnataka mahouts and a kavadi, who helps bathe the elephants and arranges food for them, are presently camping in Jharkhand.

Once trained, these elephants will assist the tiger reserve staff in patrolling the woods and take part in safari expeditions as well.

A senior veterinarian from the forest department said in the absence of a standardized language followed in the country to train elephants, mahouts play a crucial role in the lives of camp elephants. Separation from a long-time associate can affect the animals psychologically. “If they don’t get familiarised with the new handler, jumbos may turn aggressive. So it’s better to have the old mahouts stick around for longer,” he added.

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